Increase Lapham surveys Wisconsin's trees, 1858

The Forest Trees of Wisconsin

Considered by many to be the father of Wisconsin forest conservation, Increase Lapham advocated for the preservation of trees far in advance of anyone else. Lapham believed that forests were a source of great national wealth, providing benefits to people, animals, and the climate. In this piece, Lapham describes the many different kinds of trees that grow in Wisconsin, many of which he feared were in danger of being destroyed. Lapham's work led to the creation of a special forestry commission in 1867.